Away for a few days

This last week, our mission’s missionaries got together to rest, catch up and get the latest on what’s happening on the bigger front of missions.  While Tracey worked on all of the logistics, Kiana and I took a dip in the heated pool of the hotel.  These were great days to rest a bit.

Back Again

Tracey and Kiana went to look for a college where Kiana can study.  They went to one near Toronto and two others in Michigan.  We thank all those who made it possible for them to go and to attend the different schools.  They're back in Mexico once again.

Congrats Rich

Ricardo, one of the youth in a church nearby who has been visiting our youth group, graduated with a mechanic’s degree last week.  His church and friends held a small party for him and were proud of his success.  Great job, Ricardo!

Preparations

The youth took time this weekend to start working on a skit for the anniversary and games for the youth camp.  We’re glad to have a great group of enthusiastic young people who not only want to get together to “hang out,” but also to learn to lead and to benefit others.

Baptist Stuff

 

This last week, we sent Maria along with a group of leaders to attend the annual Baptist Convention meeting in Toluca.  It was a time to hear about what is going on in the churches as well as a time to get away and enjoy the company of friends.

Praying for the Youth

This will be the first year that our youth group organizes a youth camp for the churches in our area.  We anticipate the participation of about 5 small youth groups and hope that our youth are up to the challenge of making it happen.  Please pray that we make it interesting and ecomomical.

Continued Prayer

I took a family with me to our sister church in Tizayuca about an hour away.  We went to encourage the congregation especially since the pastor’s wife had her last chemo.  We had a warm welcome and took the time to challenge the youth to attend the youth camp that we’re organizing during Easter week.  It was good to see so many good friends.

Praying Leaders

Our monthly leaders’ meeting was held in the next town over in order to pray for the needs of the congregation, the community and our country.  We prayed through many requests and tried to listen to God’s direction for our lives.  Afterwards we had breakfast together in the park at a food stand that offered us local tacos.  It was a great time to get away from planning, and concentrate on God.

Prayer Paving the Way

The founding church, now 25 years old, received a donation of some land by an elderly member of the congregation.  They also received funds to begin building from the States.  Please pray with us for their new facilities.  And please pray for us, so that we can begin looking in that direction too.

Seeking Prayer

I mentioned some time back that the youth fashioned some cards to be praying for each other during our meetings.  They didn’t make their own, but made one for another person.  Please pray for some of the names you recognize.  Our youth need prayer.

Coming Home

We started our home groups last week studying Ruth 1.  

I also preached on Sunday on the same, but called it "Coming Home."

I trust that this new project and way of getting people involved will motivate and encourage the congregation.

Drumming Along

As our drumming teacher challenges and teaches a team of four how to play, we’re seeing those who have natural talent pick up things more quickly.  Diego who is my youth assistant seems to do very well with the drums.  We hope to add the instrument to the worship team on March 13, the day we celebrate 3 years of worshiping together.

Especially for Women

The women reported on their conference at the Sunday evening worship service.  10 women from our area went on Saturday to hear words of encouragement and instruction.  They came back with new strategies to deal with their struggles.  It was great to hear them share.

The Chinese Connection

We took  a group of 10 youth to experience the Chinese culture at a special event sponsored by Avance.  They did a great job exposing us to history, language, culture, and even how to share Jesus with the Chinese people.  It was an incredible activity.  We also ate some great Chinese food.

Exploring Options

Luis and I took advantage of our time during the early morning to visit a park nearby that he’s been to, but I haven’t.  We were looking for a place to have our leaders’ prayer meeting.  The place was great.  It has lots of places for the kids to play, lots of place to sit and talk, green grass and even a small zoo.  Yup, not the place to meet, it would distract us from prayer.

To China with Love

We’ve got a group of 12 going to the center of Mexico City to attend “Portal Chino” a cultural experience to expose the youth to the Chinese culture.  They get to eat Chinese food, see Chinese programs and experience one on one time with Chinese believers.

Good to see ya!

Our Monday morning staff meeting had a wonderful surprise.  Pastor Domingo and his wife, Tere who has undergone cancer treatment, came to the meeting.  We were pleased to see Tere’s progress and all the blessings that God has shown them both.

Project3 : New Hours “Nuevo Horario”

While the change of Sunday service times from 5 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. is convenient for most of the believers attending, it also opens the door to another service in the afternoon for those who can’t attend in the morning.  This change takes place on the date of our third anniversary, March 13.

Project 2: Home Groups “Grupos en Hogares”

Believing that God has given each believer at least one spiritual gift, we intend to use them in locations far from our church building.  We want to refine and use them to serve those in our neighborhoods.

Project 1: ONE MORE “Uno Más”

The intention of this project for 2016 is to grow our trust in God who empowers and gives us the love to touch the lives of those who do not know him yet.  Each family is challenged to touch one new family for Jesus and invite them to attend our services.

Pastoral possibilities

We have been praying for a pastor for the church that we oversee since May 2015.  God hasn’t given us any solid leads, but there is a slim possibility on the horizon.  We’re not sure who would be best suited to lead, but we trust God knows him by name.